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Tonight: Bad Bad Hats

February 24, 2019

Catch indie rock group Bad Bad Hats tonight at the 9th Ward at Babeville.   From Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bad Bad Hats formed in 2012 when Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Noah Boswell attended Macalester College.  Shortly after, the trio signed to Afternoon Records through which they’ve released some singles and 2 LPs: Psychic Reader (2015), and Lightning Round (2018). Lightning Round is significant to Bad Bad Hats in numerous ways.  Notably, this recent release was recorded live in studio, differing from Psychic Reader.  Producer and collaborator Brett Bullion encouraged this.  As a result, Lightning Round demonstrates a musicality that now compares more so to Kerry Alexander’s lyricism.  Second, Connor Davison was invited to play drums on the LP, then invited to become a permanent member.  Unfortunately, the announcement of a new member is bittersweet.  Lightning Round is the last album to which bassist Noah Boswell will contribute.  He’s decided to further his education and pursue a master’s degree.[...]

Old Fame – s/t

January 21, 2019

Based out Rochester, Old Fame is a new band formed by veteran local musicians Ben Armes (guitar/vocals), Evan Clark (guitar), Jay Asarese (bass), and Doug Kelley (drums).  This four-piece band is bound to catch the attention of many following the release of their self-titled EP on January 7th. Upon initial listen, Old Fame draws comparison to Coheed and Cambria, mainly in vocals and narrative.  Comparatively, “Blue Savage” sounds closest to a Coheed track.  The instrumentals and vocal melodies in this track are similar to those in Coheed’s early works.  However, the two groups are distinctly different.  Building on such an influence, Old Fame crafts their own sound within the genre with this debut EP. Old Fame delivers intensity through methodical guitar riffs in a tone that captures one’s attention.  While brighter on most tracks, the tone has an underlying sense of eeriness between beautifully crafted solos.  It adds a subtle element of drama, driving[...]

Tonight: Boy Jr.

December 16, 2018

Rochester originated indie artist Boy Jr. celebrates a new single release this weekend tonight at Milkie’s! in 2015 Erica Allen-Lubman equipped with musical talent, a computer, and a dream, combined the three to release an expressive EP titled No Hard Feelings with the help of Delaney Hafener and Chris Ozone.Since then, Allen-Lubman under the name Boy Jr. has released Some Tunes, Some More Tunes, and “It’s Enough,” each a new development on the artist’s sound, as well as a deeper look into her mind. By far “It’s Enough” is my favorite Boy Jr. release so far. It’s a hard-hitting track that showcases the culmination of three years’ worth of tweaking and development by Boy Jr., proving that she can rock as hard as the full-set bands that perform. Watching a promo video posted to the Boy Jr. Facebook page is reminiscent of watching a young Amy Winehouse perform in the[...]

Tonight: Ava Luna

December 5, 2018

Soulfully innovative indie group Ava Luna performs tonight at Mohawk Place! Since 2007, Ava Luna has been garnering attention for its creative blending of genres, ranging from soul and R&B to reggae and psychedelic with heavy synths. However, Ava Luna’s recent release, Moon 2, has amassed recognition for being vastly different from its earlier works; most attribute this change to Carlos Hernandez stepping back from his leadership role, allowing his bandmates to contribute more creatively during the recording process. The result: an extraordinary album of stellar extraterrestrial sounds. Ava Luna creates its own world through which it easily maneuvers listeners in this album. Maggie Lange of Pitchfork puts it perfectly, stating in her review, “It’s an electro-funk that plays on a gravity plane where everything is a different weight, sounds melt more deeply and float off more easily.” Listening to Moon 2 is like being projected back in time, yet[...]

The Tins Drop Two New Singles

November 30, 2018

Local indie rock group The Tins have released a new double A-side single, featuring the the tracks “Saksaywaman” and “Open Minded.” Recorded in Buffalo’s own Mammoth Recording Studio, The Tins collaborated with distinguished producer Ted Young (The Gaslight Anthem, Andrew W.K.), and engineer Jessica Thompson (Train, Natalie Merchant) to mix and master the songs. The dual-sided single combines balancing tracks, creating a work that’s both fun and thoughtful. First impressions of “Saksaywaman” are that it’s a relaxed yet danceable track. The vocals of Adam Stanley and Michael Santillo are reminiscent of Bear Hands singer Dylan Rau, specifically in tone. However, The Tins have differentiated themselves while simultaneously adding to their genre. One of the most outstanding parts of “Saksaywaman” is the percussion. It’s so simple, but it provides such a necessary rhythm and accent to the song. The little clicks of the clavas compliment the hustle of the guitar’s melody. As for “Open[...]

Tonight: Death From Above

November 25, 2018

103.3 the Edge proudly presents Death From Above tonight at The Rapids Theatre! The duo from Toronto, Canada has had a tumultuous past, yet has overcome difficulties and differences to continue creating some pretty banging music. While no one knows for sure how Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler met (they perpetuate various tales from gay bars to pirate ships), Death From Above has been jamming since 2001. Within a short 17 years, the band has changed their name twice, overcame a five-year hiatus following creative differences, and released three full-length albums. Most recently, their album Outrage! Is Now dropped in September last year, featuring the single “Freeze Me.” In fact, “Freeze Me” has popped up on my Spotify playlist a number of times these recent months; their sound closely relates to Muse and Royal Blood combined, creating a hard-hitting powerhouse backed by strengthening, yet subtle, synths. I remember listening[...]

Tonight: Forager

November 17, 2018

Surf’s up at Milkie’s tonight with featured band Forager! Described as a “surfgaze” group, Forager originated in 2016 Cleveland, Ohio with mainstays Raye Hart, James Thain, and Justin Bellino. The group has gained notoriety among college radios and indie bloggers following their first EP release this past February. Deadbeat Suite is a classic vivacious “feel-good” album with one catchy track after another. The driving hooks and bouncing rhythms instills the urge to get up and dance like Uma Thurman and John Travolta in cult classic “Pulp Fiction.” The major tones throughout the album bring a sense of serenity and blissfulness. There’s nostalgia for a time and music genre that seems to have fallen by the wayside over a number of decades. It’s time for a revival with bands like Forager. Tonight’s lineup includes local rock groups Nylon Otters and Halo Nellie. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover charge.[...]

Tonight: Cougar Sweat

November 9, 2018

Nietzsche’s is hosting a rock show featuring Cougar Sweat tonight! Originating in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016, Cougar Sweat prides itself on being an energetic, joy-embracing group. With Caleb Chauncey on guitar and vocals and Nate Cook on drums, the band released a self-titled EP in February 2017 and a single called “Peace” this past May. The tracks deliver a full sound despite having only two members, calling references to modern influences like Royal Blood, Dead Sara and Ok Go. Cougar Sweat indeed lives up to the “people-to-people style, stuffing a venue with solid sounds and brotherly love” description on the group’s Facebook page. Tonight’s lineup includes fellow Georgia rock band McLeod, as well as Buffalo natives Velvet Bethany and Venus Vacation. The show begins at 10 pm with a $5 cover charge. Age restrictions are 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: Peel Dream Magazine

November 1, 2018

Rising indie rock act Peel Dream Magazine is performing tonight at Mohawk Place! Releasing their debut album Modern Meta Physic in early October, Peel Dream Magazine has caught the ears of a wide audience.Joe Stevens, who formed the band, takes inspiration from bands like The Velvet Underground and The Beatles, relaying his own perception of their sounds. While not much seems to be written about the band, what is published are the things I wish I could write about a band. There is so much adoration in these authors’ words for Peel Dream Magazine and the music they produce. Regarded as “a record of slowly unfurling charms”on For the Rabbits, Modern Meta Physic brilliantly showcases the band’s take on a 90’s interpretations of the psychedelic sounds of the 60’s. Tonight’s opener is Buffalo’s own heave. Having released a new demo titled “Andy” at the beginning of October, the show at[...]

Tonight: Avi Buffalo

October 25, 2018

Indie musician Avi Buffalo is performing tonight at Mohawk Place! Having beginnings as a  solo project by frontman Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, Avi Buffalo at its core is still Zahner-Isenberg. However, the project evolves into a full-fledged band for live performances and some studio recordings. Avi Buffalo has released a self-titled album, and At Best Cuckold through Sub Pop Records. Both LPs were dutifully worked over, progressing with each year that passed to complete them. At Best Cuckold has proven to be a great development of the band’s sound and genre, leaving audiences waiting to see what the next album brings. Joining tonight’s lineup are Highland Park duo Haunted Summer, and Buffalo’s very own Stress Dolls, and Parade Chic. Mohawk Place opens its doors at 7pm. Tickets are available for $10. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: The Tins

October 19, 2018

Local indie pop act The Tins are returning to Mohawk Place this evening.  Recently releasing their self-titled full-length album, The Tins have received a warm welcome among listeners.  Notably, The Tins has been included in the NACC Chart’s “20 Most Added Songs.” Having formed nearly ten years ago, The Tins continue to evolve as a band, most recently  introducing more psychedelic flavor with their latest release.  “Jubilee,” a new single from the album, is especially airy and light, seeming to take influence from The Beatles (“Penny Lane” crossed my mind on this one).  Having collaborated with the Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac, The Tins is something to be admired, adding to the phenomenal sounds coming out of the Queen City lately. Joining The Tins tonight are Buffalo groups Witty Tarbox, and newcomers Leyda.  From the Capital Region, indie pop rock band Lucy rounds out the lineup. Doors open at 8pm to[...]

Tonight: William Elliott Whitmore

October 14, 2018

Iowa DIY artist William Elliott Whitmore is live tonight at Rec Room! Throughout his almost 20-year career, Whitmore has released seven full-length albums; his most recent release, Kilonova, is starkly different, being his first cover album. As an artist that takes influences from folk, blues, and punk rock genres, Whitmore pays homage to those that have greatly impacted him. Most notably included are Bad Religion (“Don’t Pray on Me”), Johnny Cash (“Five Feet High and Rising”), and Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine”). Keeping the integrity of the included songs, Whitmore delivers the messages in a significantly different manner that’s wholly and beautifully his own. Rec Room doors are at 7pm tonight. Tickets are $12 in advance. For those 16 and older, please be ready to show ID. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: MC Chris

October 4, 2018

MC Chris is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of MC Chris is Dead tonight at Mohawk Place! Originally self-released in May of 2008, MC Chris is Dead relays the tale of the rapper’s journeys in his worldly afterlife following his red carpet assassination in the album Dungeon Master of Ceremonies. The album features the artist’s iconic high-pitched rapping voice, geek knowledge, and seamless flow. Being performed in its entirety, the album’s tantalizing rhythms and thoughtful story line will have everyone in Mohawk Place jamming! What better way to kick off the Halloween season than dancing to an album about a zombie nerdcore rapper? Doors are at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $16 and available to those 16 and older with ID. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Bearhunter – Nothing Further Beyond

October 1, 2018

Buffalo indie rock mainstays Bearhunter have been around for over 10 years. In the life of a local band, that sort of staying power is almost unheard of… But when you’re crafting finely-tuned music like this particular trio, it makes sense to stick around. The trio, brothers David and Mike Calos and bassist Robert Pusateri, have recently released a new album called  Nothing Further Beyond. These nine tracks are a fitting ode to the fading summer, full of airy, danceable indie rock that goes down smooth. Bearhunter’s dynamic immediately brings to mind the sound of modern rock royalty like Arctic Monkeys, Raconteurs, or Spoon. The guitar work from David Calos is impeccably nuanced – his sense of dynamics is truly incredible and helps carve out Bearhunter’s niche in the crowded indie rock scene. What’s more, Calos’ vocals are a tasteful mesh between smooth and rasp without having too much of one or the[...]

Tonight: Kal Marks

September 29, 2018

The fourth stop in their fall tour, touring Bostonites Kal Marks play the Tudor Lounge tonight! Having humble beginnings as a solo project, the indie rock trio have released three full-length albums through Exploding in Sound Records. Typically described as “the loudest band in Boston,” Kal Marks decided to switch things up for their latest release Universal Care, reigning in their volume and lightening the tone on a few tracks. Universal Care has influences in Nirvana and sludge rock, as well as the sounds we hear coming from more modern indie rock bands, namely Pile. The latest LP has been nominated for the “Album of the Year” award for the 2018 Boston Music Awards. Kal Marks is also a nominee for “Rock Artist of the Year.” Local artists Bold Folly and Soul Butchers are joining tonight’s show. Doors are at 9pm with music beginning shortly after. $5 at the door.[...]